As part of our commitment towards achieving a sustainable built environment the City of Port Phillip strongly encourages the installation of domestic rainwater tanks as part of efforts to reduce our dependence on mains water supplies.

Water Reduction Targets

Guided by the Towards Zero 2006 policy the City of Port Phillip has set targets for this reduction:

• 70% reduction in Council's potable water use by 2020
• 50% reduction in community per capita potable water use by 2020

Planning Permit Requirements

In aspiring towards a sustainable built environment Council must ensure that the planning process achieves outcomes that are not only environmentally sustainable, but financially viable, socially cohesive and culturally relevant. It would be irresponsible of Council to favour short-term gains in any of these areas at the expense of the long-term stability of another. As such in some cases a planning permit is required for the installation of a domestic rainwater tank to ensure that it meets the needs and expectations of the community.

Factors that could generate the need for a planning permit are:

• If the tank will be visible from the street (not a lane) or a public park
• If the tank is not visible from the street but has a capacity greater than 4500 litres
• Any specific heritage controls relating to the property (i.e. National Significance)

Where a permit for a sustainable design initiative such as a rainwater tank is required, Council has a policy to fast track these applications, waive fees and provide free technical advice. 

Financial penalties do apply for works conducted in need of and without a planning permit.

Before commencing any work residents are encouraged to speak with our Planning Department, which can be contacted via ASSIST (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713. Alternatively you can use  eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online.